According to police, detectives seized 2,416 pounds of marijuana, approximately $1.06 million in cash, digital scales and firearms.

Horacio Magana, Maritzein Rangel, Evelia Macias-Farias and Elias Vazquez-Garcia were all arrested and charged with trafficking in marijuana greater than 5 lbs. enhanced by a firearm, and engaging in an organized criminal syndicate.

“It was amazing just how much money was brought to us by the officers to count. Every few minutes someone would say they found another stash of cash,” said Metro Narcotics Lt. Rich Pearson.

According to police, all of the suspects are illegal aliens from Mexico and investigators contend the drugs came from a violent Mexican drug cartel.

“We believe this was a direct pipeline, no middle man involved at all, a direct pipeline to the Zetas Drug Cartel in Mexico,” Pearson said.

The arrests came after an eight month investigation and the execution of multiple search warrants in the 6000 block of Hackberry Way and the 10000 block of Winding River Way.

Sean Clark and his friends had been to a movie and he was in the process of backing out of his driveway across the street from the home on Winding River Way.

“These guys were running up the street with handguns and shotguns and bust into the house, ‘Search, search warrant.’ All of a sudden the garage door opened and there were bags to the ceiling,” said Clark.

A short distance away from Winding Way, a search was conducted on Hackberry Way. The next door neighbor at that address was shocked.

“When I came out here they had cops and tow trucks, commotion. I didn't know what was going on. I got stuck and was late for work,” said neighbor Misty Kilafwakun.

Police said the 2,400 lbs. of marijuana has a street value of $2.6 million.